Creative Spirit is a community of faith
that values:
Love More Than Judgment
Our spiritual ancestors said, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, diversity; in all things, love.” We challenge one another to live authentically and question one another only about portions of our lives that devalue ourselves and others.
We believe God is too big for one religion. As we listen to one another’s experience of God, we develop a richer and deeper undertanding. We are a Christian community, but we value other faiths and practice their prayers, writings, and rituals.
Diversity More Than Unanimity
We believe all persons are made in the Creator’s image and have unique gifts to offer, not regardless, but because of, their age, ability, ethnicity, race, gender, gender-identify, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and/or theological views. People deserve acceptance, not judgment and shame. We all have areas in which fears inhibit our best selves. Realizing the depth of God’s love compells us to support and encourage others, rather than condemn them.
Dialogue More Than Dogma
We believe faith communities should model respectful dialogue, striving to understand, speaking our truth in love, and sharing our journey even when we disagree. Like blind-folded persons touching an elephant, we can argue about what “The Elephant” is like or we can learn more from one another about how big God is. No one has all the answers, so together we wrestle with issues and seek responses that are life-giving to all. No one is ever coerced to conform with any thought, action, or belief.
Solidarity More Than “Saving”
We believe our focus should be making a difference in our community, serving needs now rather than “saving” others from an afterlife. We are called to stand with others rather than reach “down” from our relative comfort and perpetuate inequal power systems. We seek to transform the oppressed and oppressors by challenging unjust systems. We do not attack ideas or parties with destructive speech or action, but pray for those who consider themselves our enemies .
